Customer Reviews (500)

Jigga0101 • 2025-03-25T06:21:16-07:00

I know you’re trying to o make money but do you have to be so obnoxious about it?

Toon sandwich • 2025-03-25T05:26:28-07:00

Its such a old game but it still has great gameplay and graphics ibet you would love it

ihateADSsomuch97 • 2025-03-24T21:29:53-07:00

There is an ad at the start and end of every level. These ads are at minimum 15-30 seconds long, and take you through 3 screens to finally close it. 1.) The video ad, 2.) the fake game, 3.) a download option. Only then can you close the ad. YOU CANNOT REMOVE ADS UNTIL YOU UNLOCK THE SHOP 13 LEVELS IN. MINIMUM 24 ADS JUST TO GET TO THE SHOP AND PAY $3 FOR A GAME THAT USED TO NOT HAVE MICRO-TRANSACTIONS.

Summary of Key Insights

  • Plants vs. Zombies™ is a beloved classic game that still resonates with many users, particularly due to its nostalgic value and engaging gameplay. However, the current mobile version is significantly hampered by an excessive amount of ads, which many users find disruptive and detrimental to the overall experience. This has led to widespread frustration, especially among long-time fans who remember a time before the game was saturated with advertisements. While the core gameplay and nostalgic appeal remain strong, the aggressive monetization strategy is a major weakness.
  • Key Strengths: Engaging gameplay, nostalgic appeal, fun and challenging levels, simple yet addictive.
  • Key Weaknesses: Excessive ads, sound glitches related to ads, removal of lawnmowers and requiring ads to restore them, potential data loss, restore purchase issues.
  • Overall Sentiment: Mixed. While many users express love for the core game, the overwhelming consensus is that the ads are ruining the experience.
  • Quantitative Metrics:
    • Overall Rating (Calculated): Approximately 3.61 stars (weighted average based on review counts).
    • Score Distribution:
      • 5-star: 51.4% (257/500)
      • 4-star: 11.8% (59/500)
      • 3-star: 8.6% (43/500)
      • 2-star: 7.8% (39/500)
      • 1-star: 20.4% (102/500)

Data & Methodology Overview

  • Data Sample Size: 500 reviews.
  • Time Frame of Reviews: The reviews appear to be recent, spanning from the present back to several years, with many referencing recent updates.
  • Analysis Methods: Manual review and thematic analysis of user reviews, focusing on sentiment identification, keyword extraction (e.g., "ads," "lawnmowers," "nostalgia"), and frequency analysis of recurring issues and requests.

Key User Pain Points

  • Excessive Ads: The most significant and frequently mentioned issue. Users complain about ads appearing before, during, and after levels, disrupting gameplay and leading to frustration. Many feel the game is now more about watching ads than playing.
  • Sound Glitches: Many users report that the game's sound cuts out after an ad plays, requiring them to restart the app.
  • Lawnmower Removal & Ads for Restoration: A controversial change is the removal of two lawnmowers from the starting setup, requiring users to watch ads to restore them. This is seen as a blatant attempt to force ad views and exploit a core game mechanic.
  • Restore Purchase Issues: Users who previously purchased an ad-free version report that the ads have returned and they are unable to restore their purchase.
  • Data Loss: Some users have experienced data loss after updates or app crashes, forcing them to restart the game from the beginning.
  • Glitches/Crashing: Some users report the game crashes or glitches on launch, making it unplayable.

Frequently Requested Features

  • Ad-Free Option: The most requested feature is a reliable way to remove ads, either through a one-time purchase or subscription.
  • Restoration of Lawnmowers: Users want the original five lawnmowers to be available at the start of each level without requiring ad views.
  • Sandbox Mode: Some users request a sandbox mode to test plant abilities and strategies.
  • New Content: A smaller number of users requested new levels, plants, and zombies.
  • Cloud Save/Account Sync: Users want to save their progress across devices.
  • Controller Support

Strengths and Positive Aspects

  • Nostalgic Appeal: Many users express a deep connection to the game due to childhood memories and its classic status.
  • Engaging Gameplay: The core gameplay loop of strategic plant placement to defend against zombies remains enjoyable and addictive.
  • Simple and Fun: Users appreciate the game's simplicity and accessibility, making it easy to pick up and play.
  • Challenging Levels: The game offers a good balance of challenge and reward, keeping players engaged as they progress through the levels.
  • Unique Characters: The unique plants and zombies.

Prioritized Action Recommendations

  • High Priority:
    • Address Ad Issues: Immediately reduce the frequency and intrusiveness of ads. Explore alternative monetization strategies that are less disruptive.
    • Fix Restore Purchase Bug: Investigate and resolve the issue where users who purchased an ad-free version are still seeing ads. Provide a clear and reliable way to restore purchases.
    • Resolve Sound Glitch: Identify and fix the bug that causes the game's sound to cut out after ads play.
  • Medium Priority:
    • Reconsider Lawnmower Implementation: Revert the change that removed lawnmowers and requires ad views to restore them. If retaining the ad mechanic, ensure it's less intrusive.
    • Implement Cloud Save: Introduce a cloud save feature to prevent data loss and allow users to sync progress across devices.
    • Address Crashing/Glitching Issues: Investigate and fix the crashing and glitching issues reported by some users.
  • Low Priority:
    • Consider Sandbox Mode: Explore the feasibility of adding a sandbox mode for players to experiment with plant abilities.
    • Add New Content: Evaluate the demand for new levels, plants, and zombies, and consider adding new content in future updates.
    • Implement Controller Support

Opportunities for Startup Ideas

  • Ad-Filtering/Enhancement Tool: A tool that intelligently filters or enhances ads in mobile games, making them less disruptive or more relevant to the user.
  • Nostalgia-Focused Mobile Game Curation: A service that curates and promotes classic mobile games that have been preserved without excessive monetization.
  • Mobile Game Preservation Platform: A platform dedicated to preserving and updating classic mobile games, ensuring they remain playable and enjoyable for future generations.

Trends and Observations

  • Language Preferences: The majority of reviews are in English, with some in Spanish, Chinese, and Arabic.
  • Shift in Sentiment: There is a clear trend of negative sentiment associated with recent updates that introduced more aggressive advertising.
  • EA Association: Many users explicitly blame Electronic Arts (EA) for the game's monetization issues, reflecting a broader perception of EA's business practices.

Conclusion

Plants vs. Zombies™ remains a highly popular game with a strong nostalgic appeal. However, its current mobile version is significantly undermined by excessive advertising and technical issues. Addressing these issues, particularly the ad frequency and restore purchase bug, is crucial to restoring user satisfaction and preventing further damage to the game's reputation. A shift towards a less intrusive monetization strategy and a focus on technical stability are essential for the long-term success of the game.

Overall Recommendation: Prioritize addressing the ad-related issues and focus on restoring the original gameplay experience. Consider offering a premium ad-free version to cater to dedicated fans.

Original App Link

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/plants-vs-zombies/id893677096?uo=2